TjTUCKER is a hip-hop artist based not far from our fair city in Wakefield. He’s just come to my attention through his new single, Transmuting, which I posed him a few questions about.
By Graeme Smith
There’s a growing hip-hop scene in Yorkshire and that’s in no small part thanks to acts like TjTUCKER. “We are thriving and growing honestly,” he says. “Especially as far as hip-hop/rap is concerned in Wakefield have a look into Dav1d, Cloudy Late, Sofa Sunk, C Spot.”
There certainly seems to be something about the genre that only Northern artists can access, combining international influences with personal experience. “I like to see all my music as a reflection of where I’m at in life,” Tj says, speaking about his new track Transmuting. “Right now that’s exactly where I am. The project I’m working on signifies a departure from what my audience is even used to hearing from me but it’s what I truly feel I need to be making. Outside of that, I’m 27, so many changes are going in life right now. It’s not a bad thing. I’m choosing to see it all as growth and making the best of a situation. I’m literally actively transmuting all of this energy.”
It’s a sentiment that comes through strongly in the track. A soulful, laidback start sets the scene before Tj’s expressive vocals come in. There’s an understated feel to them as they deliver the chilled hook. All the while, subtle instrumental textures and samples provide the backdrop. It’s all over in just over two minutes but has a richness that makes it presence felt.
Transmuting sees Tj team up with Brazil-based producer Máze Foram. “Thank God for YouTube, bro!” he laughs. “Sometimes, I just sit on YouTube looking for inspiration, listening to beats. I came across Máze and I creatively found new life. We’ve now got quite a few tracks done together; the guy is dedicated, consistent and just has the sound.”
The track comes complete with a video, shot with Tj’s long-term collaborator Digital Cashh. Working on the video themselves gives them the ability to be authentic with it, and the fulfil their own creative vision.
There’s plenty more to come from Tj whose new EP, Calm + Casual is coming soon. “Calm + Casual is exactly that, a calm and casual approach to every beat, to life, to the problems we face, to our aspirations,” he explains. “This is my first all hip-hop project, five tracks of pure rhymes, playful instrumentation and a cool concept. You’ll also be introduced to some of the incredible artists featured local and international! It was great putting this together with much respect to my team, the quality speaks for itself – PRCL. Productions, Taylor Chambers, Jacob Shipley.”
If reading this, and listening to Transmuting, has got your excited for what Tj is doing, then you’ll be pleased to know that he’ll be playing his first headline show on 27 April 2025 with his band Legends With No Name at Wharf Chambers in Leeds. If you can’t make it to the gig, keep an eye out for a live session with Taboo Sessions on his YouTube.
Calm + Casual is set for release 20 June 2025.
Transmuting is out now and you can give it a listen below.
